Wednesday Wonder – December 20, 2023

It’s almost Christmas!

The world is certainly trying to remind us of its interpretation of the season. The mall parking lots are full, the Christmas songs are playing, lights everywhere. And the ‘good will to all people’ just lights me up as I watch people push and shove for the last of whatever they want this year. (There really needs to be a font for sarcasm.) I have a personal rule about going out in public at this time of year. If I can’t show peace and good will to all, I stay home. Cut in front of me in line, get a smile. Push me out of the way to get at the very thing I am presently looking at, get my apology for being in your way. None of it done with any sarcasm or judgement. We are all doing the best we can during what has become a stressful season. I have actually had retail workers ask me how I can be so nice to people. They have to be, but why would I, a customer, show the same patience? I tell them what I do and that if I can’t model the behaviour of the true meaning of Christmas, who will?

We are down to those last few days to finish preparations to be ready for the big day. Some of you will have already had some of your family gatherings, others will be anticipating them still. I am looking forward to my first Christmas as a grandmother. He’s only two months old, so he won’t be tearing the wrapping paper off in great delight yet, but he will be there. His very presence and size just reminds me of the true reason for the season. A tiny baby, vulnerable and in need of care, who will grow into someone amazing given time and opportunity. No, my grandson won’t grow into the Messiah, but he is still a clear example of the love of God among us. Love is so pure in a child. They are born able to love and they mirror back to us the love we give. Isn’t that what we look for in this season? To be loved and mirror that love to others.

It is not just almost Christmas, but the end of the year 2023 as well. Now is a great time to reflect on the year as I believe I mentioned last week. For me, from death to life seems to be the theme. My mom left us in January, I joined Kingsview in July and my grandson arrived in October. Quite a year. Wasn’t quite what I planned when I sat down this time last year to think about it. God has a way of entering our days and showing us a path that we often never expected. I am grateful that God walked with me, guiding me during 2023.

Gratitude is what I wish to share as I end this last Wednesday Wonder of the year. (I am taking next week off and hoping for lots of Granny time.) I want to thank everyone at Kingsview for the warm welcome you extended to me, the way you have all encouraged me as we have worked to find our way together and how you have supported me every day. I especially want to thank you for all the well wishes, cards and gifts at the birth of my grandson. I had hoped to get individual thank you cards done, but alas, this place is busier than I expected and I am tired when I get home. While the individual thank yous may not have been sent, they are heartfelt. You showered this new Granny and that little boy with more than either of us could have imagined. Damon’s parents were overwhelmed as I brought them your gifts and wishes. Every child is a gift from God. Thank you for helping us celebrate the new child now in our midst.

God brought us together here at Kingsview. God has a plan for us. As we celebrate together this Christmas that the gift of God-with-us is true, we can see it whenever we gather. Inspiring us to reach out beyond our walls, nudging us to check in with one another and encouraging us to continue trying new things are all evidence of God-with-us at Kingsview.

I feel blessed to have become part of such an amazing community of faith. Thank you to everyone for being a part of it: staff, committee members and those in the pews and online. Together we all are able to be the Christmas star to the world, both at Christmas time and beyond we can shine just as brightly.

I leave you with this quote to ponder: “In each heart lies a Bethlehem, an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not.” (Anne Weems)

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year,
Rev. Mary-Jane